Valery Nahayo 'Felt Unwelcome' at Mamelodi Sundowns So He Snubbed Brazilians for Kaizer Chiefs

• Valery Nahayo was once wanted by Mamelodi Sundowns after impressing with Jomo Cosmos
• The Burundi international did not feel welcome at Chloorkop and joined Kaizer Chiefs instead
• Jomo Sono was forced to sell the star defender to the Soweto giants instead of the Brazilians

Mamelodi Sundowns may be the South African team that everyone is talking about at the moment, but that wasn’t always the case.

During Kaizer Chiefs’ glory days, the Soweto club were the place to be, and players like Valery Nahayo wanted to be there rather than at the Brazilians.

The Burundi international recently admitted that he came close to joining the Pretoria-based side, but wanted to be at the Amakhosi.

As noted by The South African, he explained that after four years at Jomo Cosmos, Jomo Sono sent him to Sundowns to negotiate a deal.

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"I listened to Jomo and then went to Chloorkop to negotiate my contract. I met Trott Moloto and Daniel Mudau at their offices and we spoke at length. My heart was not even at Sundowns even though I went there to hear what they had to say and see what was happening.

"I never had any feelings for Sundowns despite their interest in me. I went inside the high walls at Chloorkop, but I can tell you that I wasn’t excited about being there. For me, I didn’t feel welcome at all," Nahayo added.

How Nahayo wound up at Chiefs

The central defender explained that he also spoke with Bobby Motaung before meeting Sundowns, and felt welcomed by the Chiefs’ official.

After receiving contracts from both sides, he decided to join the Glamour Boys, signing a contract with the team before he even told Sono.

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The Cosmos boss would finally accept his decision and negotiate a move to the Amakhosi for the player.

Nehayo’s stay at Chiefs

Despite desperately wanting to go to the Glamour Boys, Nahayo’s time at the club didn’t last too long.

As noted by Transfermarkt, he had made 51 appearances for the side, picking up 15 yellow cards during that time.

He did win three trophies with the team. He then moved on to play his football in Belgium.

Mthembu wanted Chiefs, not Pirates

Nahayo isn’t the only player who wanted to play for Chiefs and not move to a rival club.

Siphelele Mthembu explained that he cried when he was told to sign for Orlando Pirates.

As Sports Brief also reported, the Bucs claimed they had signed him - and not Amakhosi.